Sous vide device

ABSTRACT

A sous vide device ( 100 ) including an outer housing ( 104 ) within which there is located a heated tube ( 448 ) surrounding inner tubular wall ( 311 ), with the inner tubular wall ( 311 ) providing a first duct ( 461 ), and a second duct ( 462 ) being provided between the inner tubular wall and outer tubular wall with the first duct ( 461 ) and second duct ( 462 ) co-operating to provide a fluid flow path extending from an inlet ( 107 ) to an outlet ( 106 ), with vanes ( 450 ) being attached to the inner tubular wall ( 311 ) so as to be rotatably driven thereby to cause the liquid to pass along the fluid flow path.

FIELD

The invention relates to sous vide devices and more particularly to animmersion style sous vide device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sous vide devices can be categorised as being either a bath type or animmersion type device. Bath type sous vide devices have a dedicatedcooking vessel or reservoir that is integrated with a recirculating,heated water supply, timers and other features. The immersion typedevice seeks to provide comparable functionality in a compact form thatcan be immersed into an ordinary vessel. Because the device can be usedwith an ordinary pot, it solves storage problems associated with avessel-sized solution, and also provides a cost advantage tovessel-based solutions. It is therefore favoured in kitchens.

The present technology seeks to improve the design and construction ofboth immersion and bath type sous vide devices. The technology providesperformance benefits, ease and versatility of use, and facilitieshygiene and maintenance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is disclosed herein a sous vide device including:

an outer housing;

a first inner wall located within the housing and enclosing a space;

a second inner wall located in the space and enclosing a first duct,with a second duct being located between the first inner wall and secondinner wall, with the first duct having a liquid inlet, and the secondduct having a liquid outlet adjacent the liquid inlet, with the firstduct being connected to the second duct at a position spaced from theinlet and outlet so as to provide a liquid flow path extending from theinlet to the outlet;

rotatably driven vanes associated with the fluid flow path to causeliquid to flow from the inlet to the outlet;

a motor drivingly connected to the vanes to cause rotation thereof; and

a heater operatively associated with the fluid flow path to heat theliquid passing therealong.

Preferably, the heater is mounted on a surface facing the second duct toheat the liquid as liquid passes along the second duct.

Preferably, the second inner wall is mounted for rotation about arotational axis, and is rotatably driven by the motor, with the vanesattached to the second inner wall so as to be rotatably driven thereby.

Preferably, the vanes are located adjacent the outlet so as to propelthe liquid through the outlet from the second duct.

Preferably, the first inner wall is tubular, and the second inner wallis tubular.

Preferably, the sous vide device further includes a temperature sensormounted on the first inner wall and to provide a signal indicative ofthe temperature of the liquid passing along the second duct.

Preferably, the sous vide device further includes a switch operativelyassociated with the heater to deliver electric power thereto, with theswitch being mounted on the first inner wall so as to be at least partlycooled by liquid passing along the second duct.

Preferably, the motor is mounted to be remote from the inlet and outletso as to be positioned adjacent where the first duct communicates withthe second duct.

Preferably, the vanes are vanes of an impeller.

Preferably, the sous vide device further includes a first magneticcoupling rotatably driven by the motor, and a second magnetic couplingdriven by the first magnetic coupling and associated with the vanes soas to cause rotation thereof.

Preferably, the second duct is annular in configuration and surroundsthe first duct.

There is further disclosed herein a sous vide device including:

an outer housing;

a drive wall rotatably mounted in the housing and enclosing a duct thatis at least part of a liquid flow path through the device;

a plurality of vanes mounted on the wall so as to be rotatably driventhereby to cause the liquid to pass along the flow path;

a heater to heat the liquid passing along the flow path; and

a motor drivingly coupled to the tubular wall to rotate the tubularwall.

Preferably, the sous vide device further includes a first magneticcoupling rotatably driven by the motor, and a second magnetic coupling,rotatably driven by the first magnetic coupling, and fixed to thetubular wall so that rotation of the motor causes rotation of thetubular wall via the first and the second magnetic coupling.

Preferably, the vanes are vanes of an impeller.

Preferably, the drive wall is a first wall, the duct is a first duct andthe sous vide device includes a second wall, with the second wallsurrounding the first wall so as to provide a second duct locatedbetween the first wall and the second wall that is connected to thefirst duct so as the first and second ducts provide said fluid flowpath.

Preferably, the heater is mounted on the second wall.

Preferably, the sous vide device further includes a switch operativelyassociated with the heater to deliver electric power thereto.

Preferably, the first duct provides a fluid flow path inlet, and thesecond duct provides a fluid flow path outlet, adjacent the inlet, withthe first duct communicating with the second duct at a position remotefrom the inlet and outlet, and the vanes are located adjacent theoutlet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

In order that the invention be better understood, reference is now madeto the following drawing figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an immersion type sous vide device;

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an immersion type sous vide device;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the device depicted inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a main body, foot and impellercomponent;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view through a main body, impeller and foot;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a heater tube comprising a thick filmheater circuit on the dry or external surface of the tube;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a hybrid (or compound) impellercomponent;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an immersion type sous vide device;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an immersion type sous vide device;

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of a foot;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view through the foot depicted in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective of an impeller component showingmagnets located within the head;

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-section of an immersion type sous videdevice having a removable impeller where the (complex or hybrid)impeller is driven via mechanical coupling to motor through aconventional shaft seal;

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-section of an immersion type sous videdevice having a removable impeller, where the (complex or hybrid)impeller is driven via mechanical coupling to motor through aconventional shaft seal;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional illustration of an immersion type sous videdevice having a motor with an elongated shaft and a static partition,where a single axial impeller is driven via mechanical coupling to motorthrough a conventional shaft seal;

FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-section illustrating the integration of thepresent technology with a dedicated reservoir;

FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-section illustrating the integration of thepresent technology with a dedicated reservoir;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a sous vide device having remotetemperature probes;

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a user interface adapted to receive jacks fromtwo different thermal probes;

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a user interface adapted to receive jacks fromtwo different thermal probes;

FIG. 19 is a plan view of a user interface adapted to receive jacks fromtwo different thermal probes;

FIG. 20 is a plan view of a user interface adapted to receive jacks fromtwo different thermal probes;

FIG. 21 is a plan view of a user interface adapted to receive jacks fromtwo different thermal probes;

FIG. 22 is a plan view of a user interface adapted to receive jacks fromtwo different thermal probes;

FIG. 23 is a plan view of a user interface adapted to receive jacks fromtwo different thermal probes;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view through an embodiment impeller;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment sous vide device; and

FIG. 26 is an exploded sectional view of the sous vide device of FIG.25.

BEST MODE AND OTHER EMBODIMENTS OF THE TECHNOLOGY

As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 1A and FIG. 2, the present technology may beembodied in an immersion type sous vide device 100. A device such asthis is immersed in a vessel 101. The device has a flat bottom surface110 that can rest on the bottom of the vessel 102. In the alternativeand as shown in FIG. 1A, a clamp 150 may be provided to attach thedevice to a pot. The clamp 150 has a collar 151 in which the device 100can be raised or lowered relative to the collar 151. A screw tightenedor spring loaded clip 152 bears against a lower part 153 of the collar151. In the alternative it can be attached to a side wall of the pot103. The device 100 has a cylindrical body (outer housing) 104. The body104 has a cylindrical and removable foot 105 that functions in thisexample as both an intake port and an output port. When the device isoperating, water is drawn into an axial intake port 107 and isdischarged through at least one radially directed output port 106. Aswill be explained, the cylindrical main body portion 108 surrounds acylindrical output flow path that is adjacent a cylindrical heatingelement and outwardly concentric an intake flow path within it. The flowpaths may be reversed in some embodiments by changing the directionalityof the impellers.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tubular heater 201 and a motor driven impeller202 are controlled by a power control module 203. By way of example, amulti-phase brushless DC motor and control circuit may be used. Thepower control module 203 also receives inputs from the heater'sover-temperature fuse or sensor 204, a first temperature sensor 205 thatsenses the temperature of an incoming water flow and transmits relevantinformation to the power control module 203, and a second temperaturesensor 206 that measures the temperature of the heating element (forexample a cylindrical thick film heater) and transmits this informationto the processor 203. The power control module 203 regulates a triac 207that is preferably mounted to better dissipate heat by thermallyconducting through a surface and or body with circulating water. Thepower control module 203 regulates the heating element by controllingthe firing of the triac 207. The power control module 203 also regulatesthe operation of the motor 208 providing the benefit of being able tocontrol the flow rate of water for varied applications. Larger volumevessels can require higher flow rates to satisfactorily mix largervolumes of water, whereas smaller volume or shallowly filled vesselsrequire can benefit from lower flow rates to prevent surface agitationor ‘bundling’ of bagged items. The motor 208 drives the impeller 202.

The power control module 203 receives input commands from a userinterface 210. Conventional user input commands relate to time andtemperature profiles, limits or other preferences. The power controlmodule 203 provides information to the user interface through a graphicdisplay 211. The device has one or more temperature probe input ports212. Temperature information from a remote probe may be displayed on thegraphic interface 211.

FIG. 3 illustrates the main body tube 108 in relation a magneticallydriven impeller 300 assembly and the generally cylindrical foot 301. Inpreferred embodiments, the foot 301 and main body 108 removably androtatably connected to one another and capture between them, the freelyrotating impeller 300. In this example, a neck or coupling area 302 hasan external surface 306 that cooperates with a metallic spring type ring303 internal to the foot 301. When assembled, the foot's exterior 301 isflush with the exterior of the main body 108 and its axial location withreference to the main body is established by contact of the upper rim304 of the foot 301 with a shoulder 305 adjacent to the neck or couplingarea 302. The neck or coupling area 302 may be adapted to couple ofengage the foot 301. In this example, the coupling area 302 defines agroove 323 that aligns with the spring type ring 303 when the main body108 is coupled to the foot. The spring can be retained by a groove inboth the neck and the foot for enabling the body to rotate with respectto the foot while coupled. It will be appreciated that the engagement orcoupling may alternatively use threads (e.g. at 306) or other means. Thefoot 301 is adapted to rotate and thereby provide user adjustability ofthe flow direction of the discharge water path. This is advantageous tooptimise circulation and temperature stability to avoid disparatetemperature regions within the bath when multiple bagged items areplaced within.

As shown in FIG. 3, the impeller assembly 300 has a head 310 defined bythe lower half of the magnetic coupling to the motor, a cylindrical,axial partition 311 an array of radial vanes 202 forming a dischargeimpeller 320 formed around the lower exterior of the inner tubular wall(inner wall-partition) 311 that encloses a first duct 461. The base ofeach vane 202 is integrated with the upper surface 313 of the region ofthe impeller assembly whose lower surface forms a smoothly curvedcentral intake port 312. Thus, the same web of material forms theexterior surface of the intake and the inner surface of the dischargearea between the individual vanes 202 and the in-current and ex-currentflows are produced coaxially, minimizing the required water draft foroperation.

As shown in FIG. 4, the outer tube 400 of the main body 108 contains adry compartment 460 defined by a terminal ring 401 and having a heatertube (further inner wall) 448. The ring 401 fits within the lower end ofthe outer tube 400 and is sealed against it. The ring has a groove 402that carries a polymeric seal 403, such as an O-ring type seal. The ringmaybe attached to the tube in other ways. The ring forms a neck or acoupling surface 404 that is adapted to fit within the foot 105. In thisexample, the foot forms the female portion of a coupling or engagementwith the main body 108 and carries a polymeric seal or a circular springwire 405 in a circumferential groove 406 for this purpose. Other meansof attachment are contemplated. A second duct 462 is located between theinner tubular wall 311 and heater tube 448.

The ducts 461 and 462 co-operate to provide a flow path 463 extendingfrom the inlet port 107 to the outlet port 106. The duct 461 iscylindrical in configuration which the duct 462 is annular and surroundsthe first duct 461. The direction of flow in the duct 461 is oppositethe direction of flow in duct 462.

The ring 401 preferably makes flush contact 407 with the upper surfaceof the foot's intake port 407. The ring 401 thus forms a smooth ortapered throat 408 that receives the impeller assembly and related parts300.

The impeller component 300 is isolated from the electric motor 410 by asealed barrier or plate 411. In this example, the plate has a dimple412, the underside of which receives an upper most bearing surfaceprotrusion 413 of the impeller 300. The motor 410 drives one half 414 ofa magnetic coupling. An upper portion 415 of the impeller component 300carries internal magnets and forms the other half of the magneticcoupling arrangement. Thus, no direct contact is made between the motorand the impeller assembly and the motor remains fluidically isolated orenvironmentally sealed from the impeller 300 and the flow path of thewater around it. The ducts 461 and 462 communicate adjacent the motor410.

In one direction, the axial motion of the impeller assembly 300 isrestrained by the contact between the bearing surface 413 and the dimple412. In the other direction, the motion is restrained by a hub 416carried by one or more arms 417 that extends inward from underside 418of the foot 105. The hub 416 may have a bearing or bushing 419 forcarrying a tip 420 of the impeller component 300. In preferredembodiments, the outer diameter of the hub 419 is the same as thediameter of the tapered distal tip of the shaft 422. The tip 420 maybeprovided as the terminal end of a longitudinal metal shaft 421 carriedalong and within all or a part of the longitudinal extent of theimpeller shaft 422. The impeller shaft 422 interconnects the impeller'shead 430 with the array of vanes 202. The impeller device 300 also has acylindrical partition 311. Water drawn into the device travels upwardsthrough the centre of the partition and then reverses direction andflows downward, contacting the cylindrical heated surfaces of thetubular heater and scavenging the heat applied.

The cylindrical heater tube 448 interconnects the sealing plate 411 andthe ring 401. In this example, the heater tube 448 carries a heater suchas a thick film heating element. The lower end of the heater tube 448 isattached to the inner diameter of the ring 401. The heater tube isempty, but for the impeller.

Cooler water from the vessel is picked-up by the innermost chamber ofthe hybrid impeller which is defined about the impeller's shaft 422 andwithin an inner surface of the cylindrical partition 311. At the upperterminus of the impeller, there is optionally a flow diverter shapeformed on the underside of the lower magnetic coupling body 442. Thisflow diverter advantageously changes the collective vector of theincoming water from upward to downward, permitting the water to scavengeheat that is generated by the heated tube 448. The now heated waterflowing downward outside the tubular partition 311 changes itscollective vector from axial to radial direction by action of themultiple rotating vanes (202). The flow paths may be reversed in someembodiments by changing the directionality of rotation and vanes.

The radially displaced discharge flow is carried between the wall of thetubular heater or heated tube 448 and the outer surface of the partition311. The partition tube 311 and the impeller shaft 422 are attached bylegs which are in one embodiment comprised of the plurality of axialimpeller vanes 450.

The underside of the foot is formed by the flared or tapered, intakethroat area 418, blending smoothly into a diameter that is defined bythe inside surfaces 445 of the projections 446 that elevate the intakeport from the bottom surface of a pot should it be resting on one.Elevated scallops 447 in the bottom edge of the foot allow the coolerwater from the bottom of the vessel to be entrained into the upward flowcreated by the central axial impeller 450 even when the device isresting flat against the bottom of a pot.

As shown in the example FIG. 4A, the thick film heating element 440 isformed directly on to or applied to a cylindrical heater tube 501.Contact points 502 for the heating elements circuit are contained withinthe dry compartment adjacent and concentric to the outer tube. It willbe evident to one skilled in the art that other types of heaters may beused to heat the cylindrical heater tube 501.

As shown in FIG. 5, the impeller component 300 may have a second set ofimpeller vanes 450 that interconnect the hub 416 with the cylindricalpartition 311. In this example three (3) fan or propeller-like blades502 assist in pumping liquid into the partition 311 when the impeller isrotated. Three propeller vanes are depicted however other numbers ofpropeller vanes can be substituted. The vanes 502 are formed around theimpeller shaft adjacent to the bearing or tip 420. The portion of theshaft 422 between the vanes 502 and the tip 420 is preferably tapered503.

As shown in FIG. 6, the discharge port 601 is in the form of one or morecircumferentially elongated openings, in one embodiment having roundedends. The port 602 is adjacent to the tips 603 of the discharge vanes604 in the impeller component 300.

In the example of FIG. 7, the upper surface of the impeller component300 forms a recess 701. In one embodiment the recess is formed into anengineering polymer or other material adapted to receive a locating pinor stub shaft 702. The shaft 702 is preferably formed on to or attachedto a sealed plate or component 703 that defines the dry compartment 704between the heater tube 705 and the main body's outer tube 706.

As shown in FIG. 8, in one embodiment the circular foot 800 has integraland curved supporting legs 801 that extend from the intake throat area802 to the central hub 803. The legs 801 are static with respect to theflow and are therefore preferably shaped and tapered to minimisehydrodynamic drag.

As shown in FIG. 9, the coupling between the main body and the foot 900maybe achieved by way of a circular spring wire 901 carried by a groove902 formed on an interior surface of the foot. The wire 901 has a flatspot 903 or other feature that either creates friction or engages acooperating groove formed on the neck 302 of the main body 108.

As shown in FIG. 10, the impeller component 300 has a head 1000 withinwhich is located a circular array of magnets 1001. In this example, themagnets are arranged to alternate between north and south poles facingupward. The cooperating array of magnets associated with the device'smotor is similarly arranged so as to optimise the centering and magneticcoupling relationship between the two coupling halves. The magnets maybe moulded into the head, placed into the head and sealed with an epoxyor other sealing means, or retained below a separate and sealed cap1002. The cap has a central opening 1003 so that the upper bearing 1004is not interfered with but so that the separator plate or bulkhead 411is continuously washed by incoming water permitting the incoming watertemperature to be accurately thermally monitored.

As shown in FIG. 11, the impeller component 300 is easily removed bydisconnecting the foot 1100 from the main body 108. In this example,cooperating threads 1101 are formed on the sealing ring 1102 and thefoot 1100. In this example, the impeller component 300 is driven by afirst coupling component 1103 that is attached to the shaft of the motor1104. The other half of the coupling arrangement 1105 is formed as arecess in the impeller components head 1106. In this embodiment acircumferential seal 1107 around the motor's shaft fluidically isolatesthe motor from the flow of fluid around the impeller.

As shown in FIG. 12, one embodiment of the device's motor 1200 may havean elongated, flatted or otherwise coupling-enhanced shaft 1201 topermit positive rotation of the impeller. In this example, the shaftextends from approximately the upper edge 1202 of the partition tube1203 to a separable female coupling 1204 located just above the legs orvanes 1205 that connect the partition 1203 to the hub 1206. In preferredembodiments, the legs or vanes 1205 are located at a lower portion ofthe partition tube 1203. In this example, the foot 1207 carries a firstpart 1208 of bayonet coupling and that ring 1209 carries a second part1210 of a bayonet coupling by which the foot and that main body areinterconnected. In this example, the heater tube 1211 has acircumferential flange 1212 around the lower end. The flange is affixedto the ring 1209 within an array of axial fasteners 1213. In thisexample two (2) circumferential polymeric seals 1214 prevent the ingressof liquid into the dry compartment 1215. In the example of FIG. 12, theimpeller lacks a head. Optionally, a flow diverter 1220 is fastened toan upper end of the heater tube 1211. The flow diverter preferably has ahalf-toroid shape. It is appreciated the flow diverter may comprise adifferent shape and be integral with the upper end of the heater tube1211. The central part of the diverter carries a circumferential seal1221 through which passes the elongated shaft 1201. The diverter assistswith a low friction change of direction, folding or vector reversal ofthe flow 1230 as the flow is directed from an upward motion inside thepartition tube to a downward motion between the partition tube 1203 andthe heater tube 1211.

In the example of FIG. 13, the partition tube 1300 is static. It isattached to the foot 1301. The upper end 1302 of the partition tube sitsadjacent to or within a half-toroidal flow diverter 1303, the centre ofwhich carries one or more seals 1304 for isolating the motor from thefluid flow. The motor's elongated shaft 1305 terminates in a couplingsection 1306 that removably carries an impeller 1307. The foot 1301 hasa flexible upper rim 1308 that receives the lower end of the main body1309. The lower end of the main body 1309 has one or more individual orcircumferential protrusions 1310 that sit within one or more pockets ora circumferential groove 1311 formed around the inside surface of therim 1308. In some embodiments, the rim 1308 comprises one or moreflexible arms 1320, each having a protruding lip 1321. The arms flex toengage and disengage a continuous protrusion 1310 around the lower endof the main body 1309.

Although previous examples have disclosed the utilisation of acylindrical thin film heater to create an elongated and heated flowpath, heat may be applied to the heater tube using conventional heatingelements 1315 that are wound about or otherwise applied to an exteriorof the heater tube 1330 or even function as a heated replacement for theseparator tube.

As shown in FIG. 14, a device fabricated in accordance with the previousdisclosure for stand-alone use 1400 may be integrated with or attachedto a dedicated reservoir 1401. Liquid in the reservoir flows into thepartition tube 1402 through the intake 1403. The flow is dischargedthrough the discharge port 1404. As suggested by FIG. 14, the main body1400 is rigidly attached to or affixed to the reservoir while the foot1405 is removable in the ways previously described. This allows theimpeller component 1410 to be easily removed for cleaning orreplacement. In the example of FIG. 14, the device extends through anopening 1430 in a bottom surface of the reservoir. In the example ofFIG. 15, the device is retained within an opening 1501 in a sidewall1502 of the reservoir 1503.

As shown in FIG. 16, the head of the device 1600 may have one, two ormore receptacles 1601 for receiving the plug or plugs 1602 associatedwith a thermal probe 1603. In the example of FIG. 16, the receptacles1601 are located on opposite lateral sides of the user interface 1603.

As shown in FIG. 17, the receptacles 1700 may be located on the sameside of the user interface 1702. In this example, the interface displayscooking time information 1703, a measured temperature or average of same1704 and a target temperature 1705.

As shown in FIG. 18, when only one of two thermal probes 1801 isattached to the head, a temperature display for that probe is created inan area 1802 of the graphic interface adjacent to the subject probe1801.

As shown in FIG. 19, when both probes are inserted into their respectivereceptacles, two different temperature displays are created 1901, 1902each in an area of the graphic display 1903 that is adjacent to theinsertion location of the respective probes 1904, 1905. The timegraphics are moved to the opposing display side to the active probereceptacles.

As shown in FIG. 20, the device may display temperature information 2000generated from temperature probes located within the device. Because noexternal probe 2001 is connected, no information regarding the externalprobes is displayed. In the example of FIG. 21, a single display 2100 isgenerated adjacent to the receptacle opening 2101 that has received anoperating probe 2102. In the example of FIG. 22, both remote probes2200, 2201 are inserted into their receptacles 2202, 2203. The processorupon receiving information from the receptacles 2202, 2203 generates aseparate display of temperature for each probe 2204, 2205. Preferably,the displays 2204, 2205 are directly adjacent to the appropriatereceptacle 2202, 2203. In preferred embodiments, the graphics willre-arrange or be modified when the probe is introduced to thereceptacle. For example, the temperature sensed by the probe may bedisplayed larger and more prominent than the bath temperature.

As shown in FIG. 23, the receptacles 2300, 2301 for the temperatureprobe jack 2302 may be located on an upper surface 2303 of the head2304. As suggested above, upon noting the presence the jack insertedinto a receptacle, the processor causes a temperature display 2305adjacent to the corresponding probe. In preferred embodiments, a display2305 is only created by the processor when a probe is inserted through areceptacle.

FIG. 24 teaches an embodiment impeller assembly 2400 having a head 310that defines a lower half of the magnetic coupling to a motor, acylindrical axial partition 311 that forms a discharge impeller 320about the lower exterior of the partition. Each vane of the impeller isintegrated with a surface 313 such that the under-side surface forms asmoothly curved central intake port 312. In-current and ex-current flowsare produced coaxially, which can reduce the required water draft foroperation. The impeller assembly 2400 may have a second set of impellervanes 450 that interconnect the hub 416 with the cylindrical partition311. In this embodiment, by way of example only, a first set of fan orpropeller-like vanes 502 assist in drawing or pumping liquid into thepartition 311 when the impeller is rotated. The first set of vanes 502are formed around the impeller shaft adjacent to the bearing or tip 420.In this embodiment, by way of example only, a second set of three (3)fan or propeller-like vanes 2402 are provided about the top of thepartition 311 to assist in drawing or pumping liquid into the partition311 when the impeller is rotated. It will be appreciated that, whilethree propeller vanes are depicted, other numbers of propeller vanes canbe substituted.

FIG. 25 and FIG. 26, teach use of a stationary disc element 2500 with anaperture 2502 that, in use, can reduce the vortex generated beneath thespinning impeller of the sous vide device. This de-vortexer element 2500provides a stationary concentric disc with an aperture, which issupported by the foot 301 and closely spaced under the rotatingimpeller. This reduces an undesirable vortex forming below the axialintake. The underside or lower surface 312 of the impeller 320 isgenerally disc-shaped, having a smooth transition to the interior of thecylindrical partition 311. The de-vortexer element 2500 presents asubstantially stationary underside for the sous vide device, with anaperture that exposes the fluid to the intake propeller vanes 502. Theunderside or lower surface 2504 of de-vortexer element 2500 can becontoured (e.g. at 2506) to present a curved smooth transition to theintake aperture. The technology provides an immersion type sous videcooking device that utilises a heated element in contact with a flowpath. The heated element is described as a tubular heater or heatedvolute. The flow path enters and exits the device from the same end, bymeans of a hybrid or compound impeller. The prior art devices haveseparate intake and output ports, located in substantially different oropposing regions of the device. The present sous vide cooking devicepositions intake and output ports about the distal end of the device,thereby creating two distinct advantages: the device requires a lesscomplex sealing of internal components; and the device is able to workin shallow water to prepare custards, eggs and aspics and the like.

In some embodiments a flow path through a sous vide device has a foldedor concentric flow path. It will be appreciated that, this folded pathis enabled by the axial propeller which is submersed even if the waterlevel is very low. It is this first propeller that enables the primingof the concentric path. It has a folded or concentric flow path in orderto move incurrent and excurrent paths closer and enabling use insubstantially shallower vessels. By way of example only, an embodimentsous vide cooking device may operate in 12.5 mm of water.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specificexamples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that theinvention may be embodied in many other forms.

The technology provides an immersion type sous vide cooking device thatutilises a tubular heater. In the present embodiments the tubular heaterincludes a heater in contact with a flow path. The flow path enters andexits the heater from the same end by means of a hybrid (or compound)impeller.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the use of the ordinaladjectives “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., to describe a commonobject, merely indicate that different instances of like objects arebeing referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects sodescribed must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, inranking, or in any other manner.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” or “example” means that a particular feature, structure orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearancesof the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an example” in various placesthroughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment or example, but may.

Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics maybe combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or moreembodiments.

Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description ofexemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of theinvention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure,or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosureand aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventiveaspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than allfeatures of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Any claimsfollowing the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporatedinto this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as aseparate embodiment of this invention.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the followingdiscussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specificationdiscussions utilizing terms such as “processing,” “computing,”“calculating,” “determining” or the like, refer to the action and/orprocesses of a microprocessor, controller or computing system, orsimilar electronic computing or signal processing device, thatmanipulates and/or transforms data.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some butnot other features included in other embodiments, combinations offeatures of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope ofthe invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood bythose in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of theclaimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be thepreferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art willrecognize that other and further modifications may be made theretowithout departing from the scope of the invention, and it is intended toclaim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of theinvention.

While the present invention has been disclosed with reference toparticular details of construction, these should be understood as havingbeen provided by way of example and not as limitations to the scope ofthe invention.

1. A sous vide device including: an outer housing; a first inner walllocated within the housing and enclosing a space; a second inner walllocated in the space and enclosing a first duct, with a second ductbeing located between the first inner wall and second inner wall, withthe first duct having a liquid inlet, and the second duct having aliquid outlet adjacent the liquid inlet, with the first duct beingconnected to the second duct at a position spaced from the inlet andoutlet so as to provide a liquid flow path extending from the inlet tothe outlet; rotatably driven vanes associated with the fluid flow pathto cause liquid to flow from the inlet to the outlet; a motor drivinglyconnected to the vanes to cause rotation thereof; and a heateroperatively associated with the fluid flow path to heat the liquidpassing therealong.
 2. The sous vide device of claim 1, wherein theheater is mounted on a surface facing the second duct to heat the liquidas liquid passes along the second duct.
 3. The sous vide device of claim1 or 2, wherein the second inner wall is mounted for rotation about arotational axis, and is rotatably driven by the motor, with the vanesattached to the second inner wall so as to be rotatably driven thereby.4. The sous vide device of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the vanes arelocated adjacent the outlet so as to propel the liquid through theoutlet from the second duct.
 5. The sous vide device of any one ofclaims 1 to 4, wherein the first inner wall is tubular, and the secondinner wall is tubular.
 6. The sous vide device of any one of claims 1 to5, further including a temperature sensor mounted on the first innerwall and to provide a signal indicative of the temperature of the liquidpassing along the second duct.
 7. The sous vide device of any one ofclaims 1 to 6, further including a switch operatively associated withthe heater to deliver electric power thereto, with the switch beingmounted on the first inner wall so as to be at least partly cooled byliquid passing along the second duct.
 8. The sous vide device of any oneof claims 1 to 7, wherein the motor is mounted to be remote from theinlet and outlet so as to be positioned adjacent where the first ductcommunicates with the second duct.
 9. The sous vide device of any one ofclaims 1 to 8, wherein the vanes are vanes of an impeller.
 10. The sousvide device of any one of claims 1 to 9, further including a firstmagnetic coupling rotatably driven by the motor, and a second magneticcoupling driven by the first magnetic coupling and associated with thevanes so as to cause rotation thereof.
 11. The sous vide device of anyone of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second duct is annular inconfiguration and surrounds the first duct.
 12. A sous vide deviceincluding: an outer housing; a drive wall rotatably mounted in thehousing and enclosing a duct that is at least part of a liquid flow paththrough the device; a plurality of vanes mounted on the wall so as to berotatably driven thereby to cause the liquid to pass along the flowpath; a heater to heat the liquid passing along the flow path; and amotor drivingly coupled to the tubular wall to rotate the tubular wall.13. The sous vide device of claim 12, further including a first magneticcoupling rotatably driven by the motor, and a second magnetic coupling,rotatably driven by the first magnetic coupling, and fixed to thetubular wall so that rotation of the motor causes rotation of thetubular wall via the first and the second magnetic coupling.
 14. Thesous vide device of claim 12 or 13, wherein the vanes are vanes of animpeller.
 15. The sous vide device of claim 12, 13 or 14, wherein thedrive wall is a first wall, the duct is a first duct and the sous videdevice includes a second wall, with the second wall surrounding thefirst wall so as to provide a second duct located between the first walland the second wall that is connected to the first duct so as the firstand second ducts provide said fluid flow path.
 16. The sous vide deviceof claim 15, wherein the heater is mounted on the second wall.
 17. Thesous vide device of claim 15 or 16, further including a switchoperatively associated with the heater to deliver electric powerthereto.
 18. The sous vide device of claim 15, 16 or 17, wherein thefirst duct provides a fluid flow path inlet, and the second ductprovides a fluid flow path outlet, adjacent the inlet, with the firstduct communicating with the second duct at a position remote from theinlet and outlet, and the vanes are located adjacent the outlet.